Nashville America Records eventually learned something about recording artist and musician Kari Holmes that her ever-growing fan base already knew. They found out she was an incredibly crafty and poetic songwriter with a magnificent voice. They would come to know the passion she projects on record is multiplied with inviting excellence when she performs live. When Kari signed with the iconic label, they saw they landed a star.

A multiple award winner, Kari as garnered fan and critical acclaim for her two Eps – Something New and You’re My Everything – and hit singles “More From Me” and “Something New”. Anticipation is mounting for her upcoming full-length LP.

Kari Holmes took time out her busy schedule to answer our “2020 Twenty Questions” questionnaire! We hope THIS INTERVIEW entertains and inspires you.

On a scale of 1 to 10 how happy are you to be alive?

10!

I love life and I’m very blessed, but sad that times are so crazy right now. 

As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

I went to school to become a First Grade teacher and got an Associate’s for it.

I was homeschooled until 5th grade, so I had the best teacher ever – my mom – and then when I was in school. I had great teachers and I’ve always loved kids. I thought it was for me.

What was your favorite cartoon?

Oh boy, I loved SpongeBob and still do! 

Tell us your favorite song as a kid, as a teenager, and now as an adult.

My favorite song as a kid was honestly any N*SYNC song.

Favorite as a teenager was “You Were Meant for Me” by Jewel and, now, I honestly don’t have a favorite.

There’s too many but right now what’s new on the radio, my favorite to hear is “Die From a Broken Heart” by Maddie and Tae.

What’s an album that means more to you now than it did when you first heard it?

Hmmm… Leann Rimes’ Unchained Melody – The Early Years. I started singing to that album when I was 4 and one of those songs was called “I Wanna Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart.”

At my wedding, my grandpa got up and talked of how I’m finally a cowboy’s sweetheart. I’ll always cherish that moment. We lost my grandpa back in May at 94 years old. I miss him so much.

What are your 3 favorite movies?

Because I Said So, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Return to Me.

What’s the last film that made you cry or almost cry, and what scene did it?

Any movie can do that to me! The one that I remember was The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I just watched it for the first time this year and, boy, I couldn’t stop crying. I think I cried myself to sleep. The very end is what did it. I don’t want to ruin it if you haven’t seen it. Go watch it.

What’s your all-time favorite TV show?

My husband has been getting me into a ton of series. I have to say The Sopranos was amazing!

Which character on that show do you identify with most?

None of them! But I am Italian, so whenever they had scenes of them eating I could relate to that.

What makes you laugh out loud or smile uncontrollably every time you see it or hear it?

I’d have to say my kids! They’re silly!

Who in your family served you the most delicious, unforgettable dish you’ve ever eaten?

My mom, most definitely!

Tell us the most nutritious thing you’ve fed your mind.

The Bible.

When did you start to understand your value?

I grew up with a family who always respected me and supported me, so at a very young age. 

Who is the G.O.A.T. of your profession?

Well, my best friend Mark is called the GOAT and has his business “GOAT PROMOTES”. He’s an amazing promoter!

Music artist wise though, hands down Shania Twain. She is my biggest influence. I love her style, her songs, her attitude on stage… She’s broken so many records and is still relevant today! Plus, she’s stayed classy!

Do you aspire to be like them or more like someone you have a stronger personal connection to?

I just try to be me. I like who I am and I believe in myself! It sounds cheesy, I know, but I try to inspire others by the way I live, write and perform.

Recall for us the first time you failed. What lesson did you learn from that?

N/A

In what way have you evolved over the last 12 months?

My skin has become thicker.

When was a time that someone you didn’t know did something nice for you? What did they do?

N/A

How would you explain to someone the importance of valuing their time?

I would tell them my personal experience.

My mom and dad were living with my grandpa because he wanted them there to take care of him. He was 94. So, for the whole quarantine, March – May, I didn’t go visit because I didn’t want to get my grandpa sick or chance it.

On Mother’s Day, my husband, my boys and I went over just to drop off my mom’s gift and to stay outside, but my grandpa told us to come in, so I got to see him and talk with him for the first time in over 3 months. The next morning he passed away.

If he hadn’t told me to come inside, I would not have had those last moments with him and I would forever regret not visiting him.

Don’t let your fears take control of your life. 

What’s been the biggest blessing of your life?

My whole family! |THIS.

[By Mr. Joe Walker and Alex aka Grand Kai]